Until last year, my sewing machine buying history had been pretty conservative, at least when I compared it to most other quilters I knew. The first machine I owned was a used Singer I purchased in 1966 at a thrift store. In the mid-70s I gave it to my friend, Elaine, who is still using it to make the most beautiful doll clothes and quilts — it’s her only machine. Thumbs up for old Singers, and Elaine gets my vote as the most green sewing machine owner ever.
As a replacement for the Singer, I purchased a barely used Bernina 807 Minimatic (1975), which got heavy use throughout the 70s making quilts, and the 80s when I was staying home raising my children and making lots of clothes, toys, and other weird stuff.
In 1993, I traded in the 807 for a new Bernina 1000 Special (the cheapest real Bernina model at the time), which I am still using. So far pretty reasonable, I would say.
Then last year I happened upon the lovely avocado green 1959 Bernina 540-2 Favorit marked $20 at the Goodwill. Okay, I told myself — lots of people own two machines, and this one was so cute and so cheap. I’m still not feeling extravagant.
But then today I purchased on Craigslist a 1975 Bernina 830 Record from a quilter in a nearby town. The 830 was the machine I wanted, but could not afford, when I purchased my first Bernina, and this one is in wonderful condition, super clean and has every accessory and weird foot you could imagine — including the knee lift presser foot thingy — yea! This may seem like an odd purchase, since the 830 looks very similar to my 1000 (a point brought up immediately by my husband). It’s way better, though, and if you’re a fan of vintage Bernina sewing machines, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
The problem now is figuring out how to set up my sewing room with three machines.
I don’t have any of the older Bernina machines but would like to add one but only if the price is right.
That’s AWESOME. I only had an old Singer Merritt 4525 (inherited from my grandmother), and FREAKED out when it went into the shop (it’s still there, over a month later).
I’ve since bought 5 old Singers (4 of which were $10 each, cabinet and ALL) from a school who upgraded to newer machines (these Singers are probably close to my age, but WHATEVER). I have a FLEET now.
I love my Bernina 930 and don’t know what I will do when it do longer works. Last year my Bernina dealer said pretty soon they will no longer be able to repair because they can no longer get parts for the older machines. I would buy another 930 if I find one just to have it for parts.
I so agree! Love my 930 and pray it doesn’t break, I was told no parts are available anymore. I just bought a slightly used new model 830 sewing/embroidery machine with all the bells & whistles, but when I want to sew, it’s with my old friend the 930!
Awesome! I have two Singers and my trusted Bernina 440QE, but they are much newer compared to your prized possessions!!!
LOL– My 1974 Bernina 830 Record wore out and I was at a loss to know how to replace it. I walked into a Bernina shop, and the owner showed me a machine he had just finished restoring: a 1974 Bernina 830 with almost no sings of wear! Guess what I came home with! It is working great. If it lasts 38 years, I am set for life!
My Mother purchased a Singer Golden Touch N Sew in 1967 (wooden desk cabinet and all) after a lifetime with her trusty Singer treadle machine. I used her Touch N Sew until 1995 after working tons of overtime, I purchased a Singer portable (holding it for my granddaughter). When I retired in 2011, I took my unused vacation money and purchased a Baby Lock Elisimo Gold .. WOW … I am the luckiest woman alive. I still go to the same shop my Mother went to back in the 1950’s and 1960’s and they told me to go with Baby Lock. I have been very pleased with it. It’s amazing what machines can do nowadays.
I was lucky enough to find a Bernina 830 Record at a garage sale. Only had one foot and no knee lift but runs like a dream. The best part: $50. The young lady selling it didn’t realize what she had. I use it to make bags and such since my quilting machine, a Janome 6500, doesn’t have a free arm. Hope you enjoy your machine as much as I enjoy mine.
This is a beautiful machine – you have made a great purchase! My Grandma has the exact model, and whenever I visit her and use it, I think to myself, wow, this is one dreamy machine! A solid work horse and yet soooo quiet and smooth. I used to have an older Bernina, gave it away to my niece, and for years now have loved my Virtuosa 153QE.
You can’t have too many sewing machines (at least not in my world but I’ve inherited a few here too). The set up thing is trickier and that is why I tore my room apart Saturday and Sunday. I had bought a singer industrial featherweight (sorry but that is all the guy called it) which I love for paper piecing. I decided to keep two sewing machines ready for me and then the other one I dont’ use as much, I keep in the closet for when I need it (it’s an embroidery machine, another gift, barely use it). I’ll be interested in how you set up your room. Keep us posted!
My first machine was a Bernina 830 Record (with the olive green case and the machine was in that pale avocado color)and I loved it I was at the technical college learning dressmaking. It was my mother’s machine and when I got married she didn’t want to give it to me (she doesn’t sew by the way )and I longed for it for years cause I couldn’t afford it at the time but several years ago I went to an auction and there was the most perfect condition machine on the table and I knew the fellow who put it for auction.No-one bid on it and at the end it was passed in so I went to the fellow’s house and told him I would buy it and asked him how much he wanted for it he said I could have it for $10.00 I was over the moon. It needed a minor repair and a service but it is like new still in its original case with all attachments and the best part of all it has a knee lift which my mother’s old machine didn’t have.So I know how you feel to get that old machine from your younger days it is almost as if that same machine has returned home.
Yawhoooooo! The difference between the old and new is weight! You can put your pedal to the floor and the older machine won’t shake. The newer machines shake like they are ready to go off the deep end. The machine looks great from the photos! They purr, they feel good when you’re sewing, and I could keep on going on and on.
Happy Sewing Martha!
You can’t go wrong with the older machines and this one is high on the list.
enjoy!
After learning to sew on both my mother’s Viking, and my grandmother’s Singer, I wanted one of my own. I didn’t have the money to buy one, and a co-worker overheard me mention to a client that I wanted a sewing machine. She said “My mom bought me a used sewing machine because I had a moment and thought I could be Martha Stewart. Turns out I can’t sew a straight line to save my life. You can have my machine if you want it.” Little did I know what that heavy red case she handed me contained! A Bernina 830
As I looked through the case and all the little presser feet and bobbins, I found several papers… the original registration card signed by the salesman, and a receipt from the Bernina store for needles that was dated 1977. Who ever had this machine before took very good care of it. It’s like my other child and I won’t let anyone help me move it without warning them if they drop it, they die! So this heavy machine that I got for free, ended up being one of my most valued possessions. It eventually led me to school for fashion design. I’ve had this machine for about 6 years now, but hope to keep it forever. 🙂
Thank you for all the wonderful stories and comments about the Bernina 830 record. I just won the bid to own a Bernina in the eBay. I am looking forward to using it on my very basic sewing needs.
I never had a formal schooling to sewing, when I started using a sewing machine, it jumps on me, so I thought the sewing machine was bad. I bought another one, still jump on me, Well, after buying three sewing machines, I finally realized that it was me that is bad, and not the sewing machines. All were accumulating dust in my own storage room.
I enjoy sewing , and will take some sewing class soon.
I bought a Bernina 830 in 1975. It was the demo machine used in a
“Stretch & Sew” sewing class. I have had the 830 cleaned and oiled on
a regular basis and have had no problems.
I love this machine! I learned to sew on my Mother’s singer and there is
no basis for comparison. If I found a used 830 I would snap it up ASAP.
Hello,
I loved your story. I have a Bernina 830 that was purchased as a mother’s day gift for my mom in 1979. I have been using it for the past few years to sew and piece quilts, but would like to learn to use it to do the actual quilting. Can anybody help with instructions?
I now have 2 machines- both are Bernina 830 record. What pressed foot do you use for 1/4 inch seam on quilts ? Thank you
You need either an “old style” (the number will black) #37 1/4″ foot or if it is made for the old style # 57 1/4″ foot with an edge guide.
I love all of the Bernina love stories. I also have an 830. It has been my best “friend” for over 25 years. I bought it used when it was ten years old. I will be 72 on WednesdaY. In January my Bernina got sick. It was in no mood to sew or do what I asked. I cleaned it, oiled it and set it aside to wait. I thought it was dead, and I cied. I had a Singer, as a back up, a gift from my husband. Frustration, total frustration was my experience. I even prayed for my old friend. After about a month I began to work with it a bit, and it began to respond. It skipped stitches badly, but as I tinkered, it got better’. I was so excited. Then last weekend it died. I was asking it to work hard to finish some small Christmas quilts for a children’s hospital. I have not cried this time but it is sad that my awesome friend is gone. I have checked ebay and Craig’s list, but they are more than I can spend now.(My husband just had major back surgery). So I will wait and hopefully find one next spring. The 830 is a sweet Machine, even if it is older.
Sorry, my tablet messed my name up on the above post.
Hi Martha. I, too, have this same machine. I am looking for an walking foot for it. Do you have one that you use? Have you looked for one and if so, have you had any luck? Thanks!
why are the walking feet for the 830record so expensive!!! I’ve read that the Bernina ones are the only ones to get for that machine….all the others wobble some….. I really need one for quilting…where can I look for the name brand?? thanks!
I bought my Bernina in 1980 or ’83 – not sure exactly as all I remember is that one of my daughters was 2. Used it a lot, had bought the walking foot and did some quilting, etc. Fast forward several years and I gave my machine to my younger daughter who took Fashion and Marketing in school. I didn’t sew much anymore so no problem. In the past year, I realized I wanted to sew again. Started looking and found one in very good condition on kijiji (similar to Craigslist) 2 wks ago. It was missing a foot I wanted so I ordered off eBay and expect it soon. I’m excited. My daughter doesn’t quilt and truthfully I doubt I will either but she still has the walking foot if I want it. Thrilled to get another Bernina 830.
I purchased my 830 Record in 1972 and have loved it ever since. The kneelifter no longer works, however, and I need to see if it can be replaced/repaired. I also love my very early Featherweight and a fairly new BErnina which is okay, but can’t maintain a consistent seam length stitching patchwork…. hesitates on thick seams.